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There are two kinds of packages: "binary" (.deb) and "source" (.dsc) packages.  There exist tools (e.g. cpack) able to generate "binary" packages but such packaging is ad-hoc (build-system specific) and fragile.  Such packages are more likely to fail to operate when target system diverges from the original environment where they were built. There are two kinds of packages: "binary" (.deb) and "source" (.dsc) packages. There are tools (e.g. cpack) that are able to generate "binary" packages but such packaging is ad-hoc (build-system specific) and fragile. Such packages are more likely to fail to operate when the target system diverges from the original environment they were built in.
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"source" packages in turn could be built to produce "binary" packages on any other machine and architecture.  In a standardized, language and underlying build-system (make vs cmake) agnostic form they provide all necessary information about build and run-time dependencies and conflicts, standardized description of copyright and license information, initial configuration, etc.  That is why "binary" packages alone, without originating them "source" packages could not be submitted for inclusion into official Debian distribution. "source" packages in turn can be built to produce "binary" packages on any other machine and architecture. In a standardized, language and underlying build-system (make vs cmake) agnostic form they provide all the necessary information about build and run-time dependencies and conflicts, a standardized description of copyright and license information, an initial configuration, etc. That is why "binary" packages alone, without the "source" packages originating them, can not be submitted for inclusion into an official Debian distribution.
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Therefore ''Packaging'' in Debian world is primarily concerned with "source" packages.  "binary" packages are just a product of such work. Therefore ''Packaging'' in the Debian world is primarily concerned with "source" packages. "binary" packages are just a product of such work.

Translation(s): English - Italiano - Svenska


When you seriously think about packaging as a newcomer to Debian, please read the official documentation:


Why Packaging

Whether you want

  • to install some programs or data on several computers
  • to have consistent and deterministic versioning
  • the packaging system to take care of updates
  • to help the Debian project. (see Work-Needing and Prospective Packages)

What is a "package"?

There are two kinds of packages: "binary" (.deb) and "source" (.dsc) packages. There are tools (e.g. cpack) that are able to generate "binary" packages but such packaging is ad-hoc (build-system specific) and fragile. Such packages are more likely to fail to operate when the target system diverges from the original environment they were built in.

"source" packages in turn can be built to produce "binary" packages on any other machine and architecture. In a standardized, language and underlying build-system (make vs cmake) agnostic form they provide all the necessary information about build and run-time dependencies and conflicts, a standardized description of copyright and license information, an initial configuration, etc. That is why "binary" packages alone, without the "source" packages originating them, can not be submitted for inclusion into an official Debian distribution.

Therefore Packaging in the Debian world is primarily concerned with "source" packages. "binary" packages are just a product of such work.

Introduction to Debian Packaging

If you need to create rapidly a package, use equivs:

  • read first ?how to create an empty package

  • then read how to create a ?package with some files

If you prefer to gain real knowledge about Debian packaging:

Now that you have seen the basics, it is highly recomanded that you read some real stuff:

Then, if you are looking for answers, you can come back here or read:

Debian Derivatives

Please note that some Debian Derivatives resources may be quite useful too.

Learn more about the DEX project

Advanced Packaging Procedures

from Debian Women

DebianWomen organise interesting training sessions. Those are about packaging :

See also

Useful pages

other informations

See also:


CategoryPackageManagement CategoryPackaging